OUR Will OUR Egg Hatch Early?
A Tale for Pregnant Moms and Their Families
Copyright © 2022 PreemieWorld LLC
ISBN: 978-1-952248-30-6
Published by Jeff Lefko Books, an imprint of United Writers Press www.uwpnew.com / info@uwpnew.com
Sponsored by:
Story developed by The Books for Healing PartnershipTM, a collaboration of GLOPreemies, PreemieWorld, Jeff Lefko Books, and United Writers Press.
Illustrations by Molly Kokoszka.
Medical and educational information provided in the appendix was reviewed and approved by Sera Prognostics, Inc.
Sera Prognostics, the Sera Prognostics logo, The Pregnancy Company, and PreTRM are registered trademarks of Sera Prognostics, Inc. in the U.S. and/or other countries.
“Morrie and Dorothy” is a trademark of Jeffrey J. Lefko. “Queen Doula B” is a trademark of GLO-Preemies, Inc.
Printed in Canada by Premier Printing, Winnipeg, Manitoba.
To mothers-to-be everywhere
Seen as a symbol of good luck, especially in the Netherlands, storks had a tendency to nest on people’s roofs and chimneys. It was believed that storks on the roof would result in good luck for the couple living in the home.
How would they see the evidence of that good luck? In the form of children—hence the legendary connection between storks and the arrival of babies. In some countries, it was even believed that placing sweets in the window was a signal to the storks that the family in the home was ready for a new baby.
When Morrie the Stork and Dorothy the Pelican were little birds, they were best friends. They did everything together. They grew up and fell in love and decided to have a family. Soon they had two children— Aiden, who looked like their dad, and London, who looked like their mom. The two kids got older, started school, and then one day…
London and Aiden peered over the edge of a nest. In it was a big egg. Both of them were excited— they were going to have a new baby brother or sister!
Their mother Dorothy came into the room, picked up the nest and moved it into the den.
“What are you doing with the egg, Mom?” asked London.
“I’m going to the doctor today,” she said.
Aiden and London looked at each other. Neither of them liked going to the doctor. “Is the egg sick?” asked London.
“No,” said Dorothy. “It’s time for a checkup. I also want to know if there is a chance that our egg will hatch early.”
“What would happen if our egg hatched early?” asked Aiden.
“Well,” said their mom, “if that happened, your new brother or sister might need some extra attention.”
“You mean like Cousin Blue?” asked Aiden. “Yes, that’s right,” said Dorothy. “He hatched early and one of his wings wasn’t big enough. He had to grow for a little while longer before he could fly. Your aunt and uncle brought him worms even after his twin sister left the nest.”
“I hatched early, too, didn’t I, Mom?” said London. “Yes, you did,” said Dorothy.
“Is that why I can’t run as fast as Aiden?”
“Maybe, but none of us is good at everything. You may not run as fast as your brother, but there are other things you are better at.”
About that time, the doorbell rang, but before anyone moved to open the door, it swung open. Standing there was a bird of many colors with a tiara on her head.
The
children were wide-eyed.
“WHO is THAT?”
“I’m Queen Doula B,” said the colorful bird. “I’ve come today to stay with you while your parents visit the doctor. Plus, if they find out your egg might hatch early, I know some signs to look for.”
“What kinds of signs would there be?”
asked Aiden.
“Well…” said Queen Doula B,
“The egg might turn a different color…
…or, before it’s time, we may see a little crack in the egg and the tip of a beak poking through.”
“Then again,” said the doula, “We may simply wake up one morning to find your new brother or sister sitting in the shell peeking up at us.”
“Us?” said London.
“Yes, us,” said Queen Doula B. “I’ll be around from now until after the egg hatches to help your mom…and to help you, too, if you need it. That’s what doulas do. I’ll be here to help with the new baby, especially when your dad is at work flying for Baby Express.”
Just then, the door opened and Aiden and London’s dad, Morrie Stork, rushed in. He looked at Dorothy and shrugged his shoulders.
“Sorry I’m late. I had to fly a long way to deliver my last baby today and the traffic was horrible. I got here as fast as I could.”
Aiden and London crowded around their father. “Dad, why do some eggs hatch early?” asked Aiden.
“Well,” said Morrie, “We don’t know all the answers. We’re going to the doctor to find out. And, while we’re there, we’ll find out what we need to do to be ready for when your sibling arrives, early or not.”
“Dad,” asked London, “did you and Mom know I would hatch early?”
Morrie shook his head. “No,” he said. “But our doctor has something new that she didn’t have back when you and Aiden came along.”
“What’s that?” asked London.
“A way for us to know beforehand that it could happen,” said Morrie.
“Mom,” asked Aiden, “if the egg hatches early, will our baby be all right? Will you still have time to help London and me practice before we apply at Baby Express?”
Dorothy smiled at her son. “Of course. We will get through this together. And we’ll have Queen Doula B around to help us too.”
“That’s right,” said Morrie. “Remember how your mom got her Baby Express wings? Everyone laughed when she applied. It was hard, but she didn’t give up.
“Then, four babies were born to a single family and nobody knew what to do. But your mom did. She was the only one who could deliver all four babies at once.”
Morrie put his wing around Dorothy. “Kids, that’s how our family works. No matter what challenges face us, we work them out. First, we find out all we can about what might happen. Next, we make plans for how to get ready. Then, we follow our plans the best we can.”
“Time to go, dear,” said Dorothy. She carefully picked up the egg and nestled it into her pouch, just as she’d carried babies before.
Aiden and London stood in the doorway with Queen Doula B and waved as their parents spread their wings. “They’ll be back in no time,” said the doula. “While we wait, why don’t you two show me who can do the best flying tricks?”
She reached into her pockets. “You know, I just might have a prize or two somewhere.”
“I’m gonna win!” yelled Aiden. “I bet you’re not,” said London. And with that, she dashed by her brother and sailed up into the air.
Will Aiden and London’s new brother or sister wait until it is time to come out before it pokes its beak through its shell?
They’ll have to wait and see to know for sure.
But since they’ll know if there’s a chance the baby won’t wait, if they do their best to be ready, it doesn’t really matter, does it?
Cause no matter what happens, they’ll get through it together.
Parents, keep reading for tips on how to determine if YOU may have a higher chance for an early delivery, and how you can prepare for the best possible start for your baby.
You are not alone!
Whether you’re a first-time parent or growing your family, pregnancy is an emotional roller coaster. There is so much you can’t control. That’s why it’s important to gather the information your team needs to make the best decisions for you and your baby.
We are better together, and along with your doctor, together we can do better to rewrite the story of preterm birth.
Here’s to full hearts and… delivering full term!
I know there is nothing as personal as bringing new life into the world. From the moment you knew you were expecting, you took on new roles: protector, nurturer, provider, and advocate.
Preterm birth can happen to anyone. But when you arm yourself with information on your personal risk of delivering early, you allow both you and your doctor time to prepare, plan, and prevent.
In the following pages, you’ll find some information and resources that can help you advocate for you and your child. We couldn’t include everything you might need to know—the lists of risk factors, warning signs, and other information aren’t comprehensive—but there’s plenty to help you start a conversation with your doctor.
There’s even a card in the back that you can tear out and take with you to your next doctor’s appointment!
Remember…
Dear Soon-to-Be-Mom: Knowledge is Power!
Sincerely,
Queen Doula B
Are you at risk for delivering your baby prematurely?
Certain things in your life may put you at higher risk of delivering your baby preterm. We call these “risk factors.” Below are just some that have been identified.
Some risk factors that may put you at elevated risk include:
A medical history of ongoing health conditions, infections, or of previous preterm births Lifestyle influences such as smoking or drug use, living in a high-stress environment, or working in a job where you have to stand up a lot
Personal factors like your age, your race, how much money you make, whether you’re married or single, or how far you went in school.
Still remember that as many as 1/2 of all premature births happen to women with no obvious risk factors.
How can you find out if you’re at risk?
A new blood test can help you and your doctor assess your own personal risk of having a premature baby!
Your doctor can order the test. You’ll get your blood drawn one time, during week 19 or 20 of your pregnancy.
The result of this test will allow your doctor to know how likely you are to have a preterm birth. This gives you and your doctor time to build a prevention and after-care plan based on your own unique results.
TALK TO YOUR DOCTOR
Scan this code with your phone camera to download a discussion guide for what to say to your doctor at your next appointment.
Or…visit preemie.us/discuss
What can I do to prevent an early delivery?
There are many causes of preterm birth, but there are some important steps you can take to help improve your health and reduce the risks:
• If you’ve just had a baby, wait at least 18 months before getting pregnant again.
• If you smoke, QUIT.
• Avoid drinking alcohol or taking drugs during your pregnancy.
• As soon as you think you may be pregnant, get some form of prenatal care. See a medical professional for regular visits.
Remember, these are only some of the steps you can take. Your doctor may recommend additional steps to protect you and your baby.
TALK TO YOUR DOCTOR
Scan this code with your phone camera to download a discussion guide for what to say to your doctor at your next appointment.
What are some warning signs of premature labor?
Preterm birth occurs any time before the 37th week of pregnancy.
Signs of premature labor include:
• Changes in vaginal discharge.
• A feeling that your baby is pushing down.
• A low, dull backache.
• Cramps that feel like those during your period.
• Other abdominal cramps, with or without diarrhea.
If you have any warning signs like these, get medical assistance IMMEDIATELY.
I’m pregnant.
Am I at risk of a preterm birth?
Read through the following list and check all that apply to you. Note: If you check any of the boxes, it does not mean that your baby will definitely come before you reach your 37th week of pregnancy. However, it’s a good idea for you to discuss the possibility of preterm birth and these factors with your prenatal healthcare provider. On the last page of this book are tear-out cards you can give to your doctor to help start a conversation. If you did not receive this book through your doctor or doula, you may want to show him/her the book too.
I’ve already had a preterm birth.
I got pregnant less than 6 months after my last baby was born.
My life is stressful at home and/or work.
I was a preemie.
I have high blood pressure, diabetes, or another chronic illness.
I am mostly on my feet at work.
Is for me?
PreTRM can be used to identify your risk of preterm delivery if you:
• Are 18 years old or older
• Are pregnant with a single baby (not twins, triplets, or other multiples)
• Are not currently showing signs of preterm labor
• Are not on progesterone therapy after the first trimester
• Have NOT been told that your baby has a genetic condition or disorder that is associated with a shortened pregnancy.
The Real Queen Doula B Ashley Randolph
Founder and President of GLO PreemiesTM www.GLOPreemies.org
Co-founder of the Alliance for Black NICU Families
Member, Advisory Board California Perinatal Quality Care Collaborative
The African-American mother of three (3) preemies, Ashley Randolph personally experienced first-hand how Black families are often treated by healthcare providers—in the NICU, at home, and in school—and has made it her mission to bridge the longstanding gaps in access to services and information between healthcare providers and vendors and underserved populations.
Phone: 916.757.9008
Email: president@glopreemies.community
Supporting African-American Families in High-Risk Pregnancies, the NICU & Post-NICU • Care Boxes • Mobile NICU Bus (Access to Care) • Workshops
IEP Reviews • Doulas • Mental Health Support • Transportation Tutoring • Providing Racial & Health Equity on the Ground in Realtime
Mission:
GLO Preemies™ seeks to raise the voice of black families in the NICU and post-NICU in terms of creating racial and health equity through policy advocacy, professional education initiatives, family education initiatives, family support for AfricanAmerican families continuously for 18 years, and public outreach for assistance.
2749 East Parleys Way, Suite 200 Salt Lake City, UT 84109 info@seraprognostics.com 801-990-0520
We are dedicated to improving the health of mothers and babies by ensuring that everything we do is of the highest standards and rigor. We prize the strength of the collective. We value the contribution that diversity brings through people, ideas, and approaches.
We value honesty and clarity. We stand behind our commitments. We actively seek to understand root causes for pregnancy complications and work to address them in all aspects of our business.
The Alliance for Black NICU Families™ has a strong core of organizations (US and ex-US) as founding members. Many are African American parents of NICU premature infants who have personally experienced racial inequity.
Founding Members:
GLO Preemies • Connect to NICU • Eli Collins Foundation for Premature Babies Families Blossoming • Once Upon a Preemie • Pebbles of Hope Saul’s Light • Mended Little Hearts • Preemie Crystal Ball • PreemieWorld Prolacta Bioscience • Sage Therapeutics • Free2Read
Educate. Empower. Connect. PreemieWorld.com
PreemieWorld, LLC is a support group and educational forum founded by Deb Discenza, accomplished writer, speaker, and mother to her own preemie.
PreemieWorld’s most important goal is to help guide families through the terrifying rollercoaster of their NICU journey, and beyond into recovery. We firmly believe that each and every preemie family can grow to meet these challenges with the love and encouragement of other preemie parents and neonatal professionals. The PreemieWorld forum, newsletters, and social media outlets seek to address the medical community as well as the general public, and educate both parties on how best to offer support to preemie parents. Their mission is to relay the medical information parents receive in layman’s terms, and build a bridge between the parenting and professional worlds that surround premature infants. Through relateable writing and group support, PreemieWorld helps create a “new normal” for preemie families in the midst of the NICU chaos.
TALK TO YOUR DOCTOR
Scan this code with your phone camera to download a discussion guide for what to say to your doctor at your next appointment.
Or…visit preemie.us/discuss
